Russian and Kazakh Languages, Trade, and Oil Transit — What the President Said at the “Central Asia–Russia” Summit

Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev delivered a speech at the Second Central Asia–Russia Summit in Dushanbe, addressing economic cooperation, energy transit, and the role of language in regional ties, Orda.kz reports.

Below are key excerpts from his remarks:

Despite unprecedented geopolitical upheavals and global economic instability, Russia has been, remains, and will continue to be an ally and strategic partner of Kazakhstan.

The president noted that:

Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of Central Asia’s total trade volume. In 2024, it grew by 20 percent, exceeding $50 billion. More than half of this amount comes from bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Russia, which reached $28 billion last year. Russia has become one of the largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, contributing over $26 billion to its development.

By 2030, the section from Qyzylorda to the Russian border will be upgraded to four lanes. Together with our Russian and Turkmen partners, we are developing the eastern branch of the international North–South Transport Corridor. We plan to double its capacity by 2027. Last year, freight traffic along this route reached almost 2.5 million tons. A Joint Program for investment and infrastructure support of the eastern branch would help unlock the corridor’s full potential. We could involve international financial institutions, development banks, and investment funds. Kazakh and Russian agencies could discuss this project ahead of my visit to Russia on November 12.

Kazakhstan serves as a transit link for up to 10 million tons of Russian oil per year to China. In 2024, deliveries already exceeded that volume. Given the increasing pace of transit, there is potential to expand it further. Recently, in St. Petersburg, an important agreement on cooperation in the gas sector was signed between Kazakhstan and Russia.

I believe we should focus closely on the condition of our transboundary rivers and the Caspian Sea. Implementing an interstate program for preserving the Caspian’s water resources would help address this complex issue. Water security also remains a concern. Therefore, we propose preparing a joint program for space monitoring using satellite constellations to objectively assess the state of water resources and agricultural lands, as well as to forecast emergencies.

The Russian language unites our countries and is rightfully considered our shared heritage. It is gratifying that, through our joint efforts, the International Organization of the Russian Language has been established with its headquarters in Sochi. In my public speeches, I stress the importance of Kazakh youth having a strong command of Russian. But this in no way excludes our continued efforts to strengthen the status of the Kazakh language as the state language. Both languages are sacred to us — they have been granted by the Almighty and enshrined in the Constitution. The Kazakh language will continue to receive the attention it deserves. I am confident that with state support, our youth can easily master two, three, or even four languages.

Original Post